New Delhi [India], January 17 (ANI): On the third day of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), several international delegates hailed the event and expressed optimism, calling it a success.

John McFall, Speaker of the United Kingdom House of Lords, appreciated India's hospitality and the efforts made to ensure the smooth conduct of the conference.

He said, 'It has been a fantastic engagement and the Indian government has to be congratulated for the warmth and efforts they have gone to for this conference. The United Kingdom is going to host the next conference in two years' time.'

Stephen Twigg, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and former Minister of State for Schools of the United Kingdom, thanked India for providing a platform for knowledge-sharing and dialogue across the Commonwealth.

He said, 'It has been an amazing conference, and great credit goes to India, to the Parliament of India, and to the team for organising such a successful event and facilitating the exchange of ideas across the Commonwealth.'

South Africa's National Assembly Deputy Speaker, Annelie Lotriet, said their discussions covered AI and Social Media, among other topics.

She said, 'It was excellent as it was my first visit to India and I am so impressed, I wish I could stay longer so I will definitely come back. the conefernce itself was very informative. We discussed topics such as AI, Social Media and the safety of members of the parliament.'

Francis Scarpaleggia, Speaker of Canada's House of Commons, said the conference fostered new friendships

He said, 'It was truly wonderful. It was my first conference, and it was well organised. We were received graciously and warmly, and we all left with new friendships. I am looking forward to the next meeting.'

The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, concluded today with a renewed commitment to make democratic institutions more people-centric.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered the valedictory address at the three-day conference. He handed over the chairmanship of the 29th CSPOC to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, during the valedictory session and wished him the best for the success of the next CSPOC in London. (ANI)